Pendular golf position alignment and golf swing training devices and methods, especially for use with putters and similar clubs to train golfers

ABSTRACT

Devices, apparatus, kits and methods for providing alignment, positioning and swing guidance and feedback to a golfer in learning or improving putting and similar skills are provided. Devices and apparatus of the invention comprise a pendular component, and are constructed and arranged for use in aligning the parts of a putter with respect to a target golf ball, with respect to the golfer, and with respect to the target hole. Apparatus and methods of the invention also provide both dynamic and static feedback to a golfer or to an observing instructor, as well as guidance before, during, and after the golf club is swung or otherwise moved. Devices, apparatus and methods of the invention are useful as teaching and training tools to aid in learning, improving and perfecting skills for the game and sport of golf.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

Applicant hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/813,689, filed Apr. 12, 2007, and entitled Golf AlignmentTraining Devices, Apparatus And Methods, Especially For Use With PuttersAnd Similar Clubs, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/996,759, filed Dec. 4, 2007, and entitled Pendular Devices, MethodsAnd Apparatus For Training Golfers To Properly Align And Swing PuttersAnd Similar Clubs. All the materials and information comprising thedisclosures provided in the above-identified applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus, devices, kits and methodsfor providing guidance and feedback to a golfer in learning or improvingputting and similar skills. Moreover, the invention includes devices,apparatus and methods for aligning the parts of a putter or othershort-play club, with respect to a target golf ball, with respect to thegolfer, and with respect to the target hole. Apparatus and methods ofthe invention also provide feedback of both static and dynamic naturesas well as guidance before, during, and after the golf club is swung orotherwise moved. Devices and methods of the invention are thereforeuseful as teaching and training tools to aid in learning, improving andperfecting skills for the game and sport of golf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game and sport of golf requires athletic finesse and precision. Inone important aspect, the golfer's swing must coordinate complex bodymovement with the physics of club movement in order to strike a targetball such that it travels a desired path. Thus, the several angles ofthe club head, the golfer's movement of the club in three axes, thesmoothness of the swing, and the angle of incidence of the club headface are all crucial to a successful putting technique. The rate andextent of movement of the golfer and club with respect to these severalaxes and angles is difficult to coordinate, especially for those playersnew to the game.

In addition to the abstract angles, such as the angle of the club shaft,the direction and path of the swing, and possible terrain over which theball must move. Variations in golf course surfaces and textures arequite common. Thus, great demands are made on the skill and experienceof the operator.

Many attempts to deal with teaching golfing techniques have been made.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,999 to Yi, discloses a golf puttingtraining device for quickly attaching to a golf putter including a ballalignment arm comprising a sight gap along the length of the arm. Thearm and gap are aligned perpendicular to the clubface, and thus in thedirection of desired travel of the target ball. The site gap of Yi isused to position the alignment arm directly over a center of the golfball and next to the putter head. However, Yi is constructed andarranged for rigid attachment to a golf club shaft and thus cannotmeasure the rate or degree of movement of the shaft or head.

Chiesa, U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,158, discloses a sighting or aiming deviceto show a line or path of the golf ball to be impacted by a golf clubcomprising a rod projecting forwardly from the base head to be alignedparallel with the club head and a pointer selectively mounted atdifferent positions along the length of the rod, normal to the access ofthe rod and length of the rod, normal to the access of the rod and theclub head. The elements of Chiesa are rigidly attached to the golf clubshaft and therefore cannot measure the rate or degree of movement of theshaft or the club head with respect to the ball.

Thornton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,971, discloses a golf-training aide havinga rotatable t-shaped pointer, which is rigidly mounted to a block. Inturn, block is rigidly attached, by means of screws, to the golf clubshaft. As in Chiesa and Yi, Thornton has no parts or elements that movewith respect to the club head or shaft.

Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,376, discloses a golf club swinging guidethat can be adjustably attached to a golf club shaft. The guide isprovided with a vane that is pivotally connected to a mount such thatthe vane visibly aligns itself in the direction that the golf club isswung. The vane of Johnson moves primarily with respect to wind createdby movement of the club and is therefore subject to atmospheric wind andother disturbances, which thereby render it incapable of measuring therate of the golfer's swing.

Grey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,509, discloses a training/playing aide forclamping on the shaft of a golf club for use in the measurement ofmovement in degrees that the golfer comes over the top of the golf ballat impact. Grey is provided with an arm that is rigidly attached to agolf club shaft. In turn, a pointer is slidably mounted on theattachment arm such that the pointer can be moved or adjusted withrespect to the golf club head.

Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,564, discloses a golf putter alignment deviceincluding a torsion spring clamp that firmly but releasable engages thegolf club shaft or a hosel of a golf club putter. An elongatedpositioning rod is provided to be slidably and rotationally disposed forpositioning purposes such that an alignment pointer can be adjusted tofit a particular club. Nonetheless, the present invention addresses theproblems of learning putting technique much better than any previouslyknown techniques or devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to remedy thedrawbacks of the prior art by providing devices, methods and apparatusfor properly aligning the putter head with the target ball, and foraligning dynamically the movement of the club with respect to severalparameters.

Another object of the present invention is to provide methods andapparatus for providing dynamic feedback to the player using a club towhich the apparatus is attached.

A further object of the invention is to provide such apparatus in formswhich are easy to manufacture, convenient to transport, and easy toattach to a club shaft, or other part of a putter or similar club, forexample a golf-teaching putter.

In accordance with these and other objects, one critical component ofthe invention is an alignment pendulum. An alignment pendulum accordingto the invention is constructed and arranged such that it responds togravity and other accelerations and forces to thereby maintainstability, and to provide positional guidance with respect to the partsof a golf club, in at least one axis important to the movement of a golfputter or similar club.

In some preferred embodiments, a connector is used to facilitate thefree rotation of the alignment pendulum in at least two axes. Forexample, a movable joint, such as an alignment pendulum swing armconnector can be constructed and arranged to connect the alignmentpendulum to the swing arm such that the alignment pendulum respondsfreely, in at least two axes, to the forces of gravity, the forces ofacceleration, and other forces applied by the golfer or as a result ofstriking the ball. In some embodiments, the swing arm is connected tothe shaft of the club, typically by attachment means, such as a clamp.Thus, the swing arm connector functions to connect the swing arm to theclub shaft at an appropriate angle such that the swing arm is disposedparallel to the ground and perpendicular the desired direction of theclub swing and the ball travel. During the swing, the rotation of theswing arm connector and the pendulum with respect to one another, withrespect to the club shaft and face, and with respect to the target balland the ground upon which it is positioned can be modulated by thegolfer.

In some embodiments, each of the facets of the alignment pendulum isaligned parallel to the other facets. Also, each of the alignment facetshas a width. The top leading facet of the alignment pendulum is morenarrow in width than the bottom leading facet, and the top trailingfacet of the alignment pendulum is more narrow in width than the bottomfacet of the alignment pendulum.

Thus, the respective widths are adapted and arranged such that, whenviewed from the top, in a position wherein the golfer's eye isvertically over the ball and putter head, the margins of the bottomfacets can be observed on both sides of the top facets. Thus, in oneimportant aspect, devices of the invention enable alignment of thegolfer's eye vertically to the ball and putter head along the Z Axis,parallel to the desired path of the ball along the Z axis, andperpendicular to the ground.

Thus the alignment pendulum of the invention comprises a positionalindicator constructed and arranged to provide alignment, movement anddirectional information with respect to the position and movement of agolf club to which it is attached or of which it is connected. Thepresent invention includes any embodiment of an alignment pendulum thatpermits alignment of the club with respect to the ball in at least twoaxes. For example, the invention includes alignment pendulum embodimentswhere a portion of the pendulum is centered with respect to one or moreportions of the ball, as well as embodiments of the pendulum wherein theball is oriented with respect to the club by a visual alignment portionwhich provides a visual framework for at least a portion of the ball.

In accordance with the overall function and spirit of the invention, aball or other bearing, or any type of gimbaled mechanism can be adaptedand arranged to cooperate with the pendulum and other components toprovide the necessary rotational freedom of movement. Moreover, thedesired strike area of the putter head face does not have to be in thecenter of the putter face. Instead, it can be in any portion of theputter face which is constructed and arranged to be the sweet spot ofthe putter face, or any portion of the face which is desired to be thetarget striking area for making contact with the ball.

In some embodiments, slits in the top and bottom rails of the pendulumare constricted and arranged such that aligning the slits with oneanother over an indicator line disposed on the putter head, preferablyparallel, ensures the alignment of the putter face, putter shaft, andgolfer's eye. As examples, the invention includes wherein the alignmentpendulum is constructed and arranged such that at least a portion of theball is visually framed by a portion of the pendulum, such as whereinthe pendulum comprises a curvature, arch or V-shape which partiallyframes, or visually “cups” at least a portion of the ball. Otherembodiments include wherein the ball is framed by a circular or ovoidportion or aperture in the pendulum.

Another example of an alignment pendulum according to the invention iswherein the pendulum is constructed and arranged to include at least onelaser or laser means. The laser means can be adapted and arranged todelineate one or more of the axes of alignment utilized by the device ofthe invention. For example, a laser can be incorporated into thealignment pendulum and adapted and arranged to project a solid orintermittent beam in the desired direction of travel of the target ball.

The laser means can also be adapted to project a visible lineintersecting the club face or extending from the club face toward adesired direction, for example, toward a desired direction of travel forthe target ball. Another example of an embodiment of a laser-utilizingalignment pendulum according to the invention is wherein a laser isprovided on, in, or in proximity to, the club head, and the alignmentpendulum comprises at least one mirror or at least one beam-splitter todirect the laser beam in at least one desired direction.

In yet other embodiments, one or more lasers can be adapted and arrangedwithin, on, or attached to the pendulum such that a line or plane isprojected from the laser to project the likely path of the ball,

Preferably, some preferred embodiments of the invention are adapted andarranged to indicate when the golfer's eye is directly over the ball andthe center of the club, and others are constructed and arranged suchthat the ball can be aligned otherwise if desired, for example, otherthan at the center of the club face. In practice, the golfer using thedevice attached to a putter will adjust her stroke such that thealignment pendulum stays parallel to the desired direction of travel ofthe target ball throughout the swing, thereby helping the golfer createa smooth stroke, which is preferred in the golfing arts. Devices of theinvention can also include dampening means for dampening the movement ofthe alignment pendulum. A device of the invention thus operates todetect minimal error in the swing while conferring the desired degree ofreproducible feedback of the device.

In other preferred embodiments, the gimbaled element of the inventionmay be replaced, for example with a free-moving ball and cup joint tothereby provide means by which the alignment pendulum can maintainpositional stability in the functional context of the invention. Oneembodiment of an apparatus according to the invention can be formed suchthat the angle at which the horizontal support coupling meets the clubshaft is adjustable.

As one of skill in the art can appreciate, the apparatus, methods andprocesses of the invention are adaptable to produce many kinds ofdynamic feedback device varieties, including those integrated with aputter head, shaft or handle. In other words, the invention encompassesany apparatus which is constructed and arranged to provide the desireddegrees of feedback in at least one axis or plane regarding the movementof the club, such as a putter, with respect to the ball.

In some preferred embodiments, the alignment pendulum is constructed andarranged such that the relative movement is adjustable to suit a desiredresult, for example, offset to emphasize the movement in one axis overthe movement in other axes. In accordance with additional advantages ofthe invention, the relative positions of the alignment pendulum withrespect to the shaft of the club can be constructed and arranged toprovide alignment markings in desired spacing arrangements with respectto one another relative to their positions on the shaft, with respect tothe ball, and with respect to the club face.

Thus, in one aspect, the invention comprises means for aligning a putteror similar golf club with a target ball. In another aspect, theinvention comprises means for providing dynamic feedback as the playermoves the club, strikes the target ball, and follows through. A keyadvantage of devices of the invention, is that they provideinstructional feedback of a dynamic nature, that is, feedback whichoccurs as the club is in motion, as it is slowed to rest, and after itstops. This instructional feedback is also one of the goals of devicesof the invention. Such feedback is useful in teaching the golfer theproper rate and direction of motion for successfully using a particulargolf club to controllably strike a target golf ball to thereby producethe desired path of travel for the ball.

A key aspect of the invention thus pertains to the relative movement ofthe pendulum, and related components, with respect to other parts of thedevice, and in relation to the club to which it is attached, and also tothe ball. In some preferred embodiments, this movement occurs in atleast one axis. In other embodiments, this movement occurs in at leasttwo axes, and, in still other embodiments, this movement occurs in threeaxes.

An important aspect of the invention therefore relates to the rotationalcharacteristics of the pendulum and other parts of the device. Thisrotation, which can occur around one, two or three axes, can befacilitated by any type of bearing, or combination of bearings, whichallow the desired degree, rate and extent of rotation about the one ormore axes. As examples, the invention may employ sliding bearings, suchas those comprising bushes, bushings or journals, sleeve bearings, riflebearings, or plain bearings. Other suitable bearings includerolling-element bearings such as ball bearings and roller bearings,jeweled bearings, in which the load is carried by rolling the axleslightly off-center, fluid bearings, in which the load is carried by agas or liquid, for example, a lubricating fluid comprising one or morenatural or synthetic oils.

Other fluid bearings suitable for use with the invention include thosewhich employ gases, such as air, to reduce the friction of movementbetween the pendular components of devices of the invention and theplatform or element upon which the articulate. One example of this iswherein curved surface, such as a spherical surface, is provided withdimples or pocks which are constructed and arranged such that they holdtrapped air or a lubricant to thereby decrease the amount of surfacearea, and thus friction, between the pendular element and the base uponwhich it moves. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 18-24.

Also suitable for use with the invention are magnetic bearings, in whichthe load is carried by magnetic field, and flexure bearings, in whichthe motion is supported by a load element that bends about an axis.Magnetic or fluid bearings can be used in embodiments of the device thatare adapted to be highly sensitive to gradations, slope or degrees ofmovement.

The bearing surfaces may be of any material, or combination ofmaterials, which provide the desired degree, rate and extent of rotationabout the one or more axes. Such materials include, but are not limitedto, woods, ceramics, sapphire or glass, steel, bronze, titanium andother metals, and plastics such as nylon, polyoxymethylene, PTFE(polytetrafluoro-ethylene) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE), also known as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or highperformance polyethylene (HPPE).

In another advantageous aspect, any of the bearings for use with theinvention can be provided with desired coefficients of friction. Inaccordance with this aspect, the rate of movement of the pendulum withrespect to the one or more bearing surfaces can be set as needed toproduce the desired rates of movement or response delay of the pendulumsif desired.

Common kinds of rotary motion include both one-direction rotation andoscillation where the motion only goes through part of a revolution, forexample, essentially in one plane. In some preferred embodiments of theinvention, the alignment pendulum is adapted and arranged to oscillatein a plane perpendicular to the club face. In other preferredembodiments, the pendulum oscillates in at least two planes, includingthat in the direction of desired ball travel and through the center ofthe club head. Other kinds of bearings include spherical bearings suchas ball joints which are exemplified in car suspensions and somecomputer mice. Hemispherical bearings, or those whose bearing surfacereplicates part of a sphere, such as 80% thereof, or 40% thereof, arealso within the scope of the invention. Combinations of these bearingtypes can even be employed with the same bearing. An example of this iswhere the cage is made of plastic, and it separates the rollers/balls,which reduce friction by their shape and finish.

In some embodiments of bearing elements of the invention, dry or fluidlubricants can be used. If full-film conditions apply, the bearing'sload is carried solely by a film of fluid lubricant, there being nocontact direct between the two bearing surfaces. In this condition, theyare known as fluid bearings. In mix or boundary conditions, load iscarried partly by direct surface contacts and partly by a film formingbetween the two. In a non-lubricated, or dry condition, the full load iscarried by surface-to-surface contact between the respective bearingsurfaces of the pendular element and its journals or mounts.

As an example, one common plain bearing design is to adapt a hardenedand polished steel shaft to a soft bronze bushing. In such designs thesofter bronze portion can be allowed to wear away, to be periodicallyrenewed. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a steel shaftis adapted and arranged as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 such that hardenedsteel can be used for shaft 19 while swing arm-pendulum connector 31 canbe provided in soft bronze.

Plain ‘self-lubricating’ bearings utilize porous journals within which alubricant is infused and held. As the bearing operates and lubricant isdisplaced from the bearing surface, more is carried in from non-wearparts of the bearing. Dry plain bearings can be made of a variety ofmaterials, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is commonlyavailable under several brand names, including Teflon®. PTFE is asynthetic fluoro-polymer which has an extremely low coefficient offriction and is thus particularly useful for bearings of the dry or wettype. Moreover, PTFE is very non-reactive, and so is resistant to thecorrosive effects of outdoor use where golf equipment is commonlyexposed to weather effects such as rain and rapid temperature changes.Other suitable materials include graphite, graphite/metal (Graphalloy)and ceramic. The ceramic is very hard, and sand and other grit whichenter the bearing are simply ground to a fine powder and thus does notinhibit the operation of the bearing.

Solid polymer plain bearings are now increasingly popular due todry-running lubrication-free behavior, and are adaptable to use withmany embodiments of the invention. Polymer plain bearings can also beprovided as plastic bushings for use with the invention. Solid polymerplain bearings give low weight and corrosion resistance, as well as thefreedom from maintenance and lubrication to thereby provide bearingembodiments for numerous applications in the invention. Managing withoutlubrication is the dream of every design engineer. Polymer coated plainbearings, which comprise a metal shell provided with a very thin polymercoating (usually PTFE or the like) applied to the relevant surfaces.

A spherical bearing is a bearing that permits angular rotation about acentral point in two orthogonal directions within a specified angularlimit based on the bearing geometry. Typically these bearings support arotating shaft in the bore of the inner ring that must move not onlyrotationally, but also at an angle. Construction of spherical bearingscan be hydrostatic or strictly mechanical. A spherical bearing by itselfcan consist of an outer ring and an inner ring and a locking featurethat makes the inner ring captive within the outer ring in the axialdirection only. The outer surface of the inner ring and the innersurface of the outer ring are collectively considered the raceway andthey slide against each other, either with a lubricant or amaintenance-free PTFE (Teflon brand, for example) based liner. Somespherical bearings incorporate a race of hall-bearings allowing muchmore smooth operation.

Curved but non-spherical bearings, where the respective curvatures ofthe mating surfaces are constructed and arranged such that the pendulum“bottoms out” when it is in desired positions, or tends to self-centeror equilibrate at a desired angle, position or cant, can be providedalso. Thus, a device according to the invention can be constructed andarranged so that the alignment pendulum has one or more “low positions”or “detents” by which the pendulum is biased into certain positions orstops. A pendulum according to the invention may thereby be providedwith “desired position” detents or low positions so that a golfer mayuse them in order to position the club with respect to at least twoaxes.

As another advantage, the invention acts as an accelerometer to indicatenot only the degree of accuracy of the motion of the club but also therelative rate of the golfer's swing. Thus, a golfer can use the deviceto hone skills such as club speed, acceleration and follow-through. Inother significant aspects, a device of the invention may comprise acomputer that is enabled and adapted to measure the acceleration ordeceleration of the club head, shaft or other portions.

A needle bearing is also suitable for use with devices of the presentinvention. Such bearings are sometimes found in compasses where anupwardly pointing needle point is disposed into a cup in the center ofthe needle so that the compass pointer can “swing” in three axes underthe influences of both gravity and magnetic fields. In other embodimentsof types of needle bearings, a needle may be disposed downwardly into acup such that anything attached to the needle is free to rotate about atleast two axes.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, the pendulum arm may comprisea bearing, such as a needle bearing or a ball bearing, disposed suchthat the alignment pendulum swings in two or more axes from the arm. Asexamples, the support arm may be provided with a curved or sphericalbearing head provided on a shaft extending upwardly from the arm, whilethe pendulum may be provided with a cup corresponding to the curvatureof the bearing head. These configurations of the invention have theadvantages of simplifying construction, decreasing the number of partsnecessary to produce the invention, and being thrifty in terms of costand time of manufacture.

Moreover, the invention may be provided with changeable bearings suchthat the degree of motion, sensitivity to swing, and configuration ofthe dynamic feedback of the device may be adapted to suit variousgolfers or golfing styles. As one of skill in the art can appreciate,the examples of bearings provided herein are exemplary only, and do notlimit the type, style, configuration, presentation or adaptation of abearing or bearings suitable for use with the invention.

In accordance with the many advantages and objects of the invention, inone aspect the invention comprises a device for providing alignment andfeedback information with respect to the positioning and swing or othermovement of a golf club, the golf club comprising a head having a face,a shaft and a handle, the device comprising an alignment pendulum,wherein the pendulum is adapted and arranged to respond to gravitationaland other accelerations in at least one axis; and means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club.

Thus, in a key aspect, devices of the invention are useful for providinglearning and teaching information such as static and motion feedbackwith respect to accelerations such as one or more selected from thegroup including the acceleration of the club head with respect to thegolfer's hands, the acceleration of the club head with respect to theball, the acceleration of the club head with respect to the pendulum,the acceleration of the club shaft with respect to the pendulum, theacceleration of the club shaft with respect to the pendulum, and theacceleration of any portion of the club with respect to the ground.

In some preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-arm adapted andarranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of the golf club. Inother preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club preferably further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm, for example, a gimbaled connector.

In another key aspect, a pendulum of the invention is adapted andarranged for providing feedback regarding the motion of the club withrespect to at least one parameter, or alignment information regardingthe relative positions of the various parts of the club, the targetball, the target golf hole, and the golfer. Examples of parameters whichcan be assessed by the invention include one or more from the group ofmotion parameters comprising the club head speed, the rate of change ofclub head speed with respect to the ball, the rate of change of clubhead speed with respect to the ground, the angular speed of the clubshaft with respect to the ground, and the angular speed of the clubshaft with respect to the club head, and the angular speed of the clubhead with respect to the pendulum.

As another key aspect, an alignment pendulum of the invention is free torespond to gravitational and other accelerations in one axis, andwherein the one axis allows rotation in a first plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face. Thus adapted, a pendulum of theinvention gives feedback or alignment information substantially orapproximately in a plane aligned perpendicularly with respect to theclub face.

In some preferred embodiments, a pendulum of the invention is free torespond to gravitational and other accelerations in at least two axes,and the two axes are aligned to allow rotation in a first planesubstantially perpendicular to the club face and in a second planesubstantially parallel to the club face. The precise positioning of theplanes is dependent upon the relative positions of the pendulum and itsdisposition with respect to the components of the golf club as well asthe golfer. Advantageously, these possible variations in the relativepositions of the planes provide for many variations in the use of theinvention. In still other preferred embodiments, pendulums of theinvention are free to respond to gravitational and other accelerationsin three axes.

Pendulums of the invention are available in numerous embodiments. Forexample, in one preferred embodiment, a pendulum of the inventioncomprises top and bottom rails, wherein the top and bottom rails areeach adapted and arranged such that a golfer positioned in a golfingstance with respect to the club can visually align the club with respectto the relative positions of the rails, and with respect to one or moreof the target ball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, thegolfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. In some railed embodiments ofpendulums of the invention, the bottom rail is thicker in width than thetop rail such that, when the pendulum is viewed from above by a golferholding the club to which it is attached, one or more of the inner andouter margins of the lower rail extend beyond the margins of the toprail. Thus, the relative positions of the pendulum rails can be used tocenter the pendulum with respect to, for example, the club face and theball. These relative positions can be emphasized by visual contrastsbetween the top and bottom rails, such as by providing the rails incontrasting colors or reflective values.

In accordance with other advantageous aspects of the invention, themeans for connecting the alignment pendulum to the swing arm maycomprise a connector disposed for rotatably attaching the pendulum to asupport connected to the club shaft, club handle or club head. Thesupport is typically a swing arm as described elsewhere herein but couldbe any support that is adapted and arranged to connect the pendulum tothe club in such a way that the desired degrees of freedom of movementof the pendulum are obtained.

In some preferred embodiments, a connector suitable for use in theinvention comprises a first journal and a second journal, or a first setof axially aligned journals and a second set of axially alignedjournals. Advantageously, these two journals or sets of journals lie inplanes perpendicular to one another such that the pendulum can rotate intwo axes. Being disposed in two perpendicular axes, the two axes allowrotation in a first plane disposed substantially perpendicularly to theclub face and in a second plane disposed substantially parallel to theclub face. As those familiar with golf clubs, golfing stances, and therelative positions of those clubs and stances will appreciate, theperpendicularity of the axes and planes associated with the inventionpermits a desired variation with respect to the positions of the planeswith respect to the golfer, the various portions of the clubs, thetarget ball, and the target cup. With this variability, Thus

In other words, in yet another advantageous aspect, although substantialperpendicularity of the axes and planes remains, the relative positionsof the two planes with respect to the golfer, the various portions ofthe clubs, the target ball, and the target cup can be varied to suit aparticular golfing style, method or predilection. For example, while onegolfer may prefer to use the invention to align the ball precisely inthe center of the club face, precisely in the plane pointed at thetarget cup, and precisely below the center of the pendulum, othergolfers may prefer to employ the inventions otherwise.

In other preferred embodiments of a pendulum of the invention, thealignment pendulum comprises a body, and at least one indicator bridge,the bridge disposed above the body and the bridge including at least onefacet comprising a plurality of indicator markings, at least onedistance indicator alignment means, such as an indicator blade, andmeans for fixedly attaching the blade to the swingarm, wherein thedevice further includes at least one support to hold the bridge withrespect to the swingarm, and further wherein the device is adapted andarranged such that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respectto the club can visually align the club with respect to the relativepositions of one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.

In accordance with other advantageous aspects of the invention, themeans for connecting the alignment pendulum to the swing arm maycomprise a connector disposed for rotatably attaching the pendulum to asupport connected to the club shaft, club handle or club head. Thesupport is typically a swing arm as described elsewhere herein but couldbe any support that is adapted and arranged to connect the pendulum tothe club in such a way that the desired degrees of freedom of movementof the pendulum are obtained. In some preferred embodiments, a connectorsuitable for use in the invention comprises a first journal and a secondjournal, or a first set of axially aligned journals and a second set ofaxially aligned journals. Advantageously, these two journals or sets ofjournals lie in planes perpendicular to one another such that thependulum can rotate in two axes. Being disposed in two perpendicularaxes, the two axes allow rotation in a first plane disposedsubstantially perpendicularly to the club face and in a second planedisposed substantially parallel to the club face. As those familiar withgolf clubs, golfing stances, and the relative positions of those clubsand stances will appreciate, the perpendicularity of the axes and planesassociated with the invention permits a desired variation with respectto the positions of the planes with respect to the golfer, the variousportions of the clubs, the target ball, and the target cup.

As a further advantageous aspect, the alignment pendulum may comprise atleast one swing pin, wherein the at least one swing pin is adapted andarranged for connecting the pendulum rotatably to one of the first andsecond journals of the connector such that the pendulum can rotate intwo axes, and wherein the two axes allow rotation in a planesubstantially perpendicular to the club face and substantially parallelto the club face.

Thus disposed, pendulums of the invention include those that are adaptedand arranged such that the movement, or lack of movement, of theindicator with respect to the indicator markings can indicate therelative position of the pendulum or portions of the club when not inmotion, or can indicate the motion of the club with respect to one ormore of the target ball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft,the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.

In yet other preferred embodiments, an alignment pendulum according tothe invention may comprise an arcuate body, the body having an arcuatetop ridge, a centerline, a lower margin, an inner alignment edge, and anouter alignment edge, such that the inner and outer alignment edges aredisposed opposite to one another on the lower margin, and at least oneof the alignment edges is provided with spaced indentations disposed forindicating the relative position of the pendulum. In such embodiments,the device is thus adapted and arranged such that a golfer positioned ina golfing stance with respect to the club can visually align the clubwith respect to the relative positions of one or more of the targetball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, the golfer's feet,the golfer and the ground.

In other preferred embodiments, both the inner and outer alignment edgescan be provided with spaced indentations. With the indentations thusdisposed, the golfer, or an instructor observing the golfer, may use thedevice in a plurality of alignment and motion arrangements andpositions.

As in some other preferred embodiments, the alignment pendulum can beadapted and arranged to rotate in two axes, wherein the two axes areadapted and arranged to allow rotation in a first plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and in a second plane substantiallyparallel to the club face. Also as in some other preferred embodiments,a device of the invention is adapted and arranged such that the movementor lack of movement of the indicator with respect to the indicatormarkings indicates the relative motion of the club with respect to oneor more of the target ball, the target hole, the club head, the clubshaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.

In still other preferred embodiments, an alignment pendulum according tothe invention may comprise an arcuate body, the body having an arcuatetop ridge, a centerline, a centered arcuate lower margin, an inneralignment edge, and an outer alignment edge, wherein the inner and outeralignment edges are disposed opposite to one another on the lowermargin, and at least one of the alignment edges is provided with spacedpins disposed for indicating the relative position of the pendulum, andwherein the device is adapted and arranged such that a golfer positionedin a golfing stance with respect to the club can visually align the clubwith respect to the relative positions of one or more of the targetball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, the golfer's feet,the golfer and the ground. In similar embodiments, both inner and outeralignment edges of the pendulum can be provided with spaced pins. Thespacings and shapes of the pins can be adapted and arranged to suit manyfactors. As examples and not as limiting factors, the pins may bepointed or truncated cones, truncated cylinders, arranged perpendicularor at an angle to the surface of the alignment edges, and at any desiredpositions or patterns on the pendulum.

As in other preferred embodiments, the alignment pendulum is preferablyadapted and arranged to rotate in two axes such that the two axes allowrotation in both a first-plane substantially perpendicular to the clubface and in a second plane substantially parallel to the club face. Thusdisposed, the pendulum is adapted and arranged such that the movement orlack of movement of the indicator with respect to the indicator markingsindicates the relative motion of the club with respect to one or more ofthe target ball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, thegolfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.

In other embodiments, a pendulum of the invention is adapted andarranged for providing both alignment information, and feedbackinformation when the club is in motion, and after it comes to a rest,and comprises a laser operatively connected to the golf club, whereinthe laser provides light in at least one plane such that a golferpositioned in a golfing stance with respect to the club can visuallyalign the club with respect to the relative positions of one or more ofthe target ball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, thegolfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. As an additional preferredoption, a laser may provides light in at least two planes, wherein thealignment pendulum is adapted and arranged to rotate in two axes, andwherein the two axes allow rotation in a first plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and in a second plane substantiallyparallel to the club face.

In yet other advantageous embodiments, the invention comprises one ormore connectors adapted and arranged to include curved bearing surfacesdisposed for rotatably receiving one or more different types ofpendulums. In such embodiments, the connector comprises a surface, thesurface comprising a curved portion, such as a portion of a sphere, theportion of the sphere comprises a bearing surface, and the alignmentpendulum comprises a front arm and a rear arm. The front and rear armsare preferably disposed diametrically opposite to one another andsubstantially within a vertical plane.

The arms may be connected, for example, by a cap or ring portion,wherein the ring portion is adapted and arranged to rotate and revolveon the bearing surface portions of the sphere in response to movement ofthe club to which it is mounted or attached. Thus adapted and arranged,a golfer positioned in a stance with respect to the club can visuallyalign the club with respect to the relative positions of one or more ofthe target ball, the target hole, the club head, the club shaft, thegolfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. Moreover, one or more of thecurved surface, the front arm and the rear arm, may include indicatormarkings disposed for determining, among other things, the relativepositions of the pendulum and portions of the club as well as forshowing the relative position and movement of these components before,during and after movement of the club.

In embodiments wherein the connector comprises a curved portion, such asa spherical portion, the bearing surface can be disposed above or belowthe swing arm. In some preferred embodiments, the alignment pendulum canbe adapted and arranged to rotate in two axes, wherein the two axesallow rotation both in a plane substantially perpendicular to the clubface and in a plane substantially parallel to the club face. In otherembodiments, the alignment pendulum may be adapted and arranged to befree to rotate in three axes.

In those embodiments where the pendulum is free to rotate in two axesonly, the connector and the pendulum may be provided with means forinterconnecting them such that both their relative perpendicularity andfreedom to rotate are preserved. As an example, the pendulum can beprovided with one or more pins, and the spherical surface may beprovided with one or more complementary grooves, such that the one ormore pins are disposed for articulating within the one or more groovessuch that the pendulum is free to rotate in the two desired axes andwherein the two axes allow rotation in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and substantially parallel to the clubface.

As in other embodiments, the device is adapted and arranged such thatthe movement or lack of movement of the indicator with respect to theindicator markings indicates the relative motion of the club withrespect to one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.

In even more advantageous embodiments of devices according to theinvention, the alignment pendulum may comprise a front frame forming afront opening and a rear frame forming a rear opening, the front andrear frames and openings being disposed diametrically opposite to oneanother and substantially within a plane, wherein the front and rearframes are adapted and arranged such that at least a portion of a targetball in the vicinity of the club face is visible to a golfer through atleast one of the front and rear openings. The pendulum may furthercomprise one or more pins such that the pendulum is adapted and arrangedto rotate on the one or more pins in response to movement of the club towhich it is mounted or attached, such that a golfer positioned in agolfing stance with respect to the club can visually align the club withrespect to the relative positions of one or more of the target ball, thetarget hole, the club head, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, thegolfer and the ground.

As yet another advantage, devices of the invention can be provide incombination with one or more of a golf club head, a golf club shaft, anda golf club, such as a putter or other short-play club, for example, achipping wedge. Moreover, golf clubs or their components can bemanufactured to include one or means for attaching a device of theinvention to one or more of a golf club head, a golf club shaft, and agolf club.

In accordance with yet additional advantages of the invention, methodsfor learning and teaching golfing skills are provided. The presentdevices are adapted and arranged to be utilized by golfing instructorsas well as golf beginners, students of golf, and golf veterans seekingto improve golfing skills, as well as observers of golfers. Devices ofthe invention are constructed and arranged so they can be used andobserved not only by the golfer using a club to which they are attachedbut also by a nearby instructor or other observer.

The present invention advantageously provides methods for providingalignment information, motion feedback information, or both, to a golferor to a golf instructor regarding the positioning and movement of theseveral portions of a golf club in the hands of the golfer, the golfclub comprising a head having a face, a shaft and a handle, the methodcomprising the steps of A. providing an alignment pendulum, wherein thependulum is adapted and arranged to be alignable with respect to atarget golf ball, and to move in response to gravitational and otheraccelerations in at least one axis, and B. providing means foroperatively connecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club.

The invention provides also methods for providing feedback regarding theswing of a golf club to a golfer or to a golfing instructor, the golfclub comprising a head having a face, a shaft and a handle, the methodcomprising the steps of 1, providing an alignment pendulum, wherein thependulum is adapted and arranged to respond to gravitational and otheraccelerations in at least one axis, and 2, providing means foroperatively connecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club.

Thus, in a key aspect, devices of the invention are useful for providinglearning and teaching information such as the feedback with respect toaccelerations such as one or more selected from the group including theacceleration of the club head with respect to the golfer's hands, theacceleration of the club head with respect to the ball, the accelerationof the club head with respect to the pendulum, the acceleration of theclub shaft with respect to the pendulum, the acceleration of the clubshaft with respect to the pendulum, and the acceleration of any portionof the club with respect to the ground.

In some preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-arm adapted andarranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of the golf club. Inother preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club preferably further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm, for example, a gimbaled connector.

In another key aspect, a pendulum of the invention is adapted andarranged for providing feedback regarding the motion of the club withrespect to at least one parameter, or alignment information regardingthe relative positions of the various parts of the club, the targetball, the target golf hole, and the golfer. Examples of parameters whichcan be assessed by the invention include one or more from the group ofmotion parameters comprising the club head speed, the rate of change ofclub head speed with respect to the ball, the rate of change of clubhead speed with respect to the ground, the angular speed of the clubshaft with respect to the ground, and the angular speed of the clubshaft with respect to the club head, and the angular speed of the clubhead with respect to the pendulum.

As another key aspect, an alignment pendulum of the invention is free torespond to gravitational and other accelerations in one axis, andwherein the one axis allows rotation in a first plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face. Thus adapted, a pendulum of theinvention gives feedback or alignment information substantially orapproximately in a plane aligned perpendicularly with respect to theclub face.

In some preferred embodiments of methods of the invention, a pendulum ofthe invention is free to respond to gravitational and otheraccelerations in at least two axes, and the two axes are aligned toallow rotation in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the clubface and in a second plane substantially parallel to the club face. Theprecise positioning of the planes is dependent upon the relativepositions of the portions or parts of the golf club and the pendulum,whether one or more of the club or pendulum are in motion.

Thus, in a key aspect, devices of the invention are useful for providinglearning and teaching information such as y providing feedback withrespect to accelerations such as one or more selected from the groupincluding the acceleration of the club head with respect to the golfer'shands, the acceleration of the club head with respect to the ball, theacceleration of the club head with respect to the pendulum, theacceleration of the club shaft with respect to the pendulum, theacceleration of the club shaft with respect to the pendulum, and theacceleration of any portion of the club with respect to the ground.

In some preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-arm adapted andarranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of the golf club. Inother preferred embodiments, the means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club preferably further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm, for example, a gimbaled connector.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying Images and Figures show examples of preferredembodiments of some salient components of the invention by way ofexample only. In the following descriptions of FIGS. 1-28, like numbersrefer to corresponding structures of the several FIGURES.

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one preferred embodiment of a gimbaledpendular golf club alignment system according to the invention. Withrespect to FIG. 1, golf club 81 is shown with shaft 83 and putter head85. Putter head 85 is provided with alignment markings 89 which arealigned perpendicular with respect to putter head face 85. Axis Z isshown parallel to alignment markings 89.]??? Axis X is shownperpendicular to the ground, and through the center of alignmentpendulum 1. Axis Y is shown perpendicular to alignment pendulum 1through its swing arm-pendulum connector. Swing arm 51 is alignedcongruent with Axis Y. Axes X, Y and Z are aligned perpendicular to oneanother. Thus, the plane formed through the Z and X axes isperpendicular to the earth and is shown passing through putter headalignment markings 89.

Nonetheless, although the axes and planes are perpendicular to oneanother, and therefore provide alignment and motion information andguidance, they can be used in different ways by a golfer, or by agolfing instructor, to align or move a golf club to which a device ofthe invention is attached. For example, while one golfer may prefer toalign the Z-X axis through the center of the target ball and center ofthe target hole, another golfer may prefer to utilize other alignments.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one preferred embodiment of analignment pendulum according to the invention. With respect to FIG. 2,alignment pendulum 1 includes top rail 3, bottom rail 5, trailing edge7, leading edge 9, top trailing facet 11, top leading facet 13, bottomfacet 15, connector aperture 17, inter-facet opening 18, swing pin 19,and swing pin housing 21. In use, pendulum 1 responds to the force ofgravity and thus hangs perpendicularly with respect to the surface ofthe earth. To assist in alignment, facets 15 are slightly wider thanfacets 11 and 13. Moreover, facets 15 are preferably provided in colorsor materials that visually contrast with the colors of facets 11 and 13.Thus, when looking downwardly approximately in the X-Z plane, a golfercan use the contrasting colors of the facets of pendulum 1 to determinethe relative positions of the pendulum with respect to the ball, such asits perpendicularity with respect to the ball. The alignment of the ballwith respect to the club face, the position of the ball with respect tothe target hole, and the alignment of the club shaft with respect toboth the ground and the target hole can also be determined with thepresent pendular alignment device and systems.

Advantageously, the present invention can be used both to align theportions of a club, such as its striking face, with respect to the ball,and to provide dynamic feedback to the golfer or observing golfinstructor. This dynamic feedback is provided to some extent by the manypermutations of the interaction of the pendulum, its various components,and the golfer.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically one preferred embodiment of a connectorfor connecting the swing arm, which is attached to the shaft of a golfclub, such as a putter, to a pendulum according to the invention. Withrespect to FIG. 3, swing arm-pendulum connector 31 includes connectorbody 33, swing arm through-bore 35, which typically aligns with Axis Yas shown in FIG. 1, swing pin journal walls 36, alignment pendulum swingpin journal 38, and through-bore housing 39. Swing arm through-bore 35is preferably a cylindrical bore of an appropriate size to receivecylindrical swing arm 51 such that connector 31 and swing-arm 51 canrotate freely with respect to one another while maintainingconcentricity about Axis Y. Swing pin journal walls 36 are disposedparallel to one another as well as perpendicularly to swing armthrough-bore 35 and, with their junction with connector body 33, formswing pin journal 38. Journal 38 is disposed and sized for receivingalignment pendulum swing pin 19 such as that of pendulum 1 in FIGS. 1and 2. Connector 31 can thus act as a gimbal, that is, it enablespendulum 1 to rotate freely with respect to both Axis Y and Axis Z. Intheir various embodiments, the devices of the invention therefore enablethe various still alignments as illustrated hereinbefore, as well asprovide motion feedback and measurement before, during and after thegolfer moves the club through its stroke

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a preferred embodiment of a swing armaccording to the invention. With respect to FIG. 4, swing arm 51 isprovided with spring-loaded clamp 53 for attaching it to a portion of agolf club shaft, such as the shaft of a putter or short driver. Swingarm 51 is provided with swing arm alignment marks 58 which are usefulfor positioning a swing arm pendulum, such as pendulum 1 shown in FIGS.1, 2 and 3, or another pendulum of the invention at a fixed position onswing arm 51. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, thereare numerous embodiments of swing arms suitable for use with the presentinvention that are useable with the many variations of the invention. Insome preferable embodiments, swing arm 51 is cylindrical in nature suchthat a swing type of pendulum connector can rotate freely withoutassistance. In other preferred embodiments, swing arm 51 can be providedin any cross section desirable as long as it fulfills the requirementsof a particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another preferred embodiment of apendulum-swing arm combinations according to the present invention. Withrespect to FIG. 5, vaned pendulum 70 is provided with distance indicatorridge 71, distance indicator vane bridge facet 72. Bridge facet 72 isprovided with distance indicating markings 73. Vane bridge facet 72 isalso provided with distance blade arm indicator 77. In preferableembodiments, distance indicator ridge 71 is attached to solid-bodyalignment pendulum 201, and pendulum 201 is provided with solid-bodypendulum front alignment ridge 202, and solid-body pendulum top ridgeline 205. In use, vaned pendulum 70 is attached, for example, to swingarm 51 having swing arm alignment marks 57 and swing arm clamp 53, whichis disposed for attaching the entire device to a golf club shaft. As oneof skill in the art can appreciate, the device can also be attached insome fashion to the head of the golf club.

In use, distance indicator blade arm 77 is provided with distanceindicator screw 79 to affixing it rigidly onto swing arm 51, andadjacent to distance indicator bridge facet 72. Pendulum 201, which isshown disposed with bridge facet 72 attached thereto, is attached toswing arm 51 via solid swing arm-pendulum connector 131 having neoprenesleeve 61 disposed for setting the relative position of vaned pendulum70 on swing arm 51. Thus, when the golf club to which pendulum 201 isswung, vaned pendulum 70 moves with respect to the gimbaled solid swingarm-pendulum connector 131 with respect to swing arm 51 and distanceindicator alignment blade 75, which is rigidly positioned, on shaft 51.Thus vaned pendulum 70 moves with respect to bridge facet 72 to indicatethe degree, rate, or extent of rotation of the golf club itself, as wellas the relative motion of the club face, head and shaft with respect toAxes X, Y and Z, and planes Z-x, Y-x and Y-Z.

FIG. 6 shows solid swing arm pendulum connector 131 having solid swingarm connector body 133, solid swing arm sleeve housing 137, solid swingarm through bore 135, solid alignment of pendulum swing pin journal 138and throughbore housing 139. In use, journals 138 are disposed forreceiving pins from various embodiments of pendulums according to theinvention. Bores 135 are aligned perpendicularly journals 138 such thatconnector 131 acts as a gimbal.

FIG. 7 shows a typical preferred positioning element for use with theinvention in neoprene sleeve 61 having sleeve throughbore 63. In use,neoprene sleeve 61 can be used disposed within solid swing arm sleevehousing 137 such that solid swing arm-pendulum connector 131 ispositioned in a desired location on swing arm shaft 51.

FIG. 8 shows solid swing arm-pendulum connector 131 positioned on swingarm 51. Swing arm 51 is provided with swing arm clamp 53 and swing armalignment marks 58. Distance indicator blade arm 77 is shown withdistance indicator alignment blade 75 and distance indicator screw 79for affixing blade arm 77 rigidly with respect to swing arm 51. Solidswing arm-pendulum connector 131 is shown positioned on swing arm 51 bymeans of neoprene sleeve 61 which is disposed such that pendulumconnector 131 is positioned adjacent to distance indicator blade arm 77and free to rotate on the shaft of swing arm 51.

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically an approximation of a golfer's eye viewof a swing arm provided with another preferred pendulum according to theinvention. With respect to FIG. 9, swing arm 51 is shown having springclamp 53 and solid swing arm pendulum connector 131 position on theshaft of swing arm 51 along with dentate alignment pendulum 221. Dentatealignment pendulum 221 has dentate alignment pendulum inner alignmentedge 223 and outer alignment edge 226 as well as pendulum centerline224. Each of alignment edge 221 and 223 is provided with dentatealignment pendulum movement indicator scallops 225 which are spaced toshow the relative position and motion of pendulum 221. Dentate alignmentpendulum 221 is free to rotate with respect to solid swing arm pendulumconnector 131 via means of dentate alignment pendulum pins 229. In turn,solid swing arm pendulum connector 131 is free to rotate around swingarm 51, which is typically attached to a golf club shaft as describedelsewhere herein (not shown in FIG. 9). Dentate alignment pendulum 221is also provided with leading edge 228 as well as trailing edge 230.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the dentate alignment pendulum 221 ofFIG. 9 from an upper oblique view. With respect to FIG. 10, dentatealignment pendulum 221 is shown in gimbaled attachment to swing arm 51by means of alignment pendulum swing pins 229 and rotatable solid swingarm-pendulum connector 131. Swing arm-pendulum connector 131 is shownpositioned on the shaft of swing arm 51 via neoprene sleeve 61.

FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the pendulum according to theinvention. With respect to FIG. 11, pinned alignment pendulum 231 isshown having pinned alignment pendulum swing indicator pins 235, pinnedpendulum front alignment line 237, and pinned pendulum top alignmentridge 234, as well as trailing edge 238. Pins 235 are useful for showingrelative movement of the pendulum, especially in the X-Z plane, whilealignment ridge 234, front alignment line 237, and trailing edge 238 areuseful for aligning the ball with respect to the club face, the positionof the ball with respect to the target hole, and the alignment of theclub shaft with respect to both the ground and the target hole. Pendulum231 is provided also with pins 239 which are disposed for suspendingpendulum 231 in a gimballed manner, for example, from a connector suchconnector 131 as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of pendulum 231 shown in FIG. 11. In the viewof FIG. 12, pendulum 231 is shown approximately from a top view as wouldbe seen by a golfer. Thus, pins 235 extend from both the inner edge andouter edge of the pendulum such that there movement in relation to anindicator vane, such as that shown in FIG. 9, can be used to indicaterate, extent and type of golf swing. Thus, FIG. 11 shows leading edge237 as well as pinned pendulum top alignment ridge 234 and trailing edge238. The inner and outer margins of alignment ridge 234, front alignmentline 237, and trailing edge 238 can be provided in contrasting colors toassist in their positioning by the golfer. Also, swing indicator pins235 can be provided in various colors to assist in their observation bythe golfer.

FIG. 13 shows vented alignment pendulum 241 having vented alignmentpendulum inner edge 242, alignment pendulum outer edge 243, pendulum topcenter indicator line 244, and vented alignment movement indicator pins245, which are disposed on the inner side of pendulum 241. Pendulum 241is also provided with vented alignment pendulum front face center line246, and vented alignment pinned pendulum swing pins 249. In use, pins249 are disposed within a swing arm-pendulum connector such as thatshown as element 131 in FIG. 10.

Various portions of pendulums according to the invention, such as ventedalignment pendulum 241, can be provided in various color schemes thatare adapted and arranged for ease of viewing. For example, inner edge242, and outer edge 243 of alignment pendulum 241, as well as front facecenter line 246, and top center indicator line 244 can be provided incontrasting colors to assist in their positioning and use by the golfer.Also, swing indicator pins 245 can be provided in various colors, shapesand protrusion to assist in their observation by the golfer.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a top view of vented alignment pendulum 241as shown in FIG. 13. With respect to FIG. 14, a golfer looking directlydown upon 241 would see pendulum movement indicator pins 245 as well asvented alignment top center indicator line 244 leading edge 246 andtrailing edge 248 as well as pendulum swing pins 249 which are disposedfor rotatably riding in a solid swing arm connector such as pendulumconnector 131 as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 shows schematically laser alignment pendulum 251, having laseralignment pendulum laser output face 255, laser alignment pendulumbattery module 257, and laser alignment pendulum swing pin 259. In use,laser alignment pendulum 251 is free to rotate in two axes via itsrotatable connection with a swing arm pendulum connector, such asconnector 131, which is shown disposed upon the shaft of swing arm 51 bymeans of neoprene connector washer 161. The relative position ofpendulum 251 can be adjusted with respect to swing arm alignment marks58, and held in a desired position by washer 61.

FIG. 16 shows a side oblique view of laser alignment pendulum 251 as inFIG. 15, and having laser alignment swing pins 259, laser alignmentpendulum battery module 257, and alignment pendulum laser output face255,

FIG. 17 shows schematically a bottom oblique view of alignment pendulum251 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and additionally shows the bottomdisposition of laser alignment pendulum laser output face 255, which isprovided with output beams that are perpendicular to one another.

FIG. 18 illustrates schematically another preferred embodiment of apendular golf club alignment and training devices according to theinvention wherein the pendulum is free to move in 3 axes. With respectto FIG. 18, floating sphere alignment pendulum 260 is provided withfloating sphere alignment pendulum rear arm 262, sphere alignmentpendulum front arm 261, floating sphere spherical pendulum bearing 263,pendulum stem 264, pendulum cap 265, pendulum support rod guide 266, amultiplicity of pendulum sphere dimples 267, as well as floating spherealignment pendulum screw lock 268. The desired distance of pendulum 260from a golf club shaft to which it is attached can be adjustably set bypositioning pendulum support rod guide 266 which is slidably andadjustably disposed on shaft of 151 of guide 266 as shown. Alignmentmarks 158 are provided for fixing the adjustment, for example,repeatably, with respect to the particular club with which the device isused. Pendulum screw lock 268 is provided for rigidly setting theadjustment with respect to swing arm 151. Swing arm 151, which amongother functions, is provided in square cross-section to prevent rotationof stem 264 with respect to arm 151, can be provided in any shape thatallows the fixed suspension of stem 264 therefrom. The bearing surfacesof pendulum 265 and bearing sphere 263 are adapted and arranged tosmoothly mate with one another. Thus, pendulum 265 can rotate in 3 axesand can therefore respond to forces of acceleration in many ways toprovide dynamic special feedback information regarding the movement ofthe club and golfer in three dimensions.

FIG. 19 schematically shows floating sphere alignment pendulum 260 ofFIG. 18 from a bottom oblique view. With reference to FIG. 19, floatingsphere alignment pendulum 260 has pendulum front arm 261 and pendulumrear arm 262 as well as pendulum bearing surface 270 and fluidshepherding margin 270A. Fluid shepherding margin 270A is adapted andarranged to taper away from the bearing surface of sphere 263 to therebyallow easier access of air or other lubricating fluids to sphere 263 andpendulum 261.

FIG. 20 shows a detailed view of floating sphere pendulum bearing 263and its contiguous elements. With respect to FIG. 20, sphere pendulumbearing 263 has a multiplicity of sphere dimples 267 which are adaptedfor controlling the relative coefficient of friction of the sphere withthe respect to pendulum 261, which rides upon sphere 263. Thus, thesurface of the sphere, as well as dimples 267, can be provided with oneor more solid or liquid lubricants or can serve simply to trap fluid airand thereby provide control of the coefficient of friction between thespherical bearing and alignment pendulum 261. Sphere 263 is attached toalignment pendulum support rod guide 266 via sphere alignment pendulumgimbaled stem 264 in a rigid manner. The relative position of sphere 263with respect to swing arm shaft 151 can be adjustably set by floatingsphere alignment pendulum screw lock 268.

FIG. 21 shows schematically another preferred embodiment of an alignmentpendulum according to the invention wherein spherical bearing 273 isprovided with diametrically opposed channels 277 that substantiallyconfine the motion of pendulum 271 in two axes. With respect to FIG. 21,grooved sphere alignment pendulum 271 is provided with pendulum outerprotruding edge 272, pendulum inner protruding edge 280, and pendulumguide pins 279 protruding from the inner portions of spherical pendulumcap 275 such that they are disposed in opposed grooves 277. Grooves 277and pins 279 thus cooperate to confine pendulum 271 substantially tomotion in two axes. Pendulum 271 is adapted and arranged to be slidablydisposed on T-beam swing arm 161. The relative position of pendulum 271with respect to swing arm 161, and thus with respect to the golf club,such as a putter, to which it is attached, can be adjusted or fixedlyset by means of alignment pendulum locking screw 278.

FIG. 22 shows a bottom oblique view of grooved sphere alignment pendulum271 as shown in FIG. 21. With respect to FIG. 22, grooved spherependulum guide pins 279 are shown disposed in sphere pendulum guide pinchannel 277. Thus configured, pendulum 271 is free to rotate in twoaxes. Grooves 277 limit the movement of pendulum 271 in Axes X-Z andX-Y.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom oblique view of pendulum 271 apart from groovedsphere pendulum 273. With respect to FIG. 23, pins 279 are showndisposed for engaging groove 277, which is disposed pictorially aroundsphere 273. Pendulum gimbaled cap 275 also provided with bearing surface270 and fluid shepherding margin 270.

FIG. 24 schematically shows grooved sphere pendulum gimbaled 273 apartfrom the view as shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate embodiment of a clamping device 53 accordingto the invention that is adapted and arranged for receiving connectingbody 33, which acts as a gimbal for engageably mounting variousembodiment of pendulums according to the invention. With respect to FIG.25 swing arm pendulum connector 31 is provided with connector body 33,swing arm threw board 35, swing pin journal hold 36, alignment pendulumswing pin journal 38 and threw bore housing 39.

FIG. 26 schematically shows pendulum 201 and distance indicator ridgesupport 71 as shown in FIG. 5. With respect to FIG. 26, pendulum 201 isshown with pins 209, solid body pinned alignment 202 and solid bodypendulum top ridgeline 205 as well as pins 209.

FIG. 27 schematically shows an alternate embodiment of a pendulumaccording to the invention. With respect to FIG. 27, framed alignmentpendulum 211 has alignment pendulum swing pins 213, alignment pendulumhousing 215, leading point 216, gelling point 218, frame inner rail 212,and outer rail 214.

With respect to FIG. 28, trailing width “W” is the distance betweentrailing rails 71 and 73 and thus a salient dimension of trailing slot78, while leading width “W2” is the distance between leading rails 72and 74, and is thus a salient dimension of leading slot 79. Dimensions Wand W2 can be the same or different. Dimensions W and W2 can be of manywidths. For example, slots 78 and 79 can be sized such that they frameall, or a part of the margins of a target golf ball as viewed by agolfer. The leading and trailing rails could also be dimensioned suchthat they form a slot or slots that can be visually aligned with one ormore alignment markings on the golf club head. Numerous permutations ofslot-alignment markings are possible within the scope of the invention.

Numerous permutations of components such as the alignment pendulum, theswing arm-pendulum connector, the swing arm, and the means forconnecting the device to the shaft or head of a golf club, as well asthe number and type of bearings and bearing surfaces, and the number ofdegrees of freedom of movement of the pendulum with respect to the clubhead, club face and club shaft, are within the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, the present invention also includes embodimentswherein at least part of the swing arm means, or an attachment means forattaching the swing arm to a golf club shaft or head, is provided in oron some portion of the club itself.

As those of skill in the art will appreciate, numerous permutations ofthe invention are possible within the spirit, metes and bounds of thedescription herein. Thus, although the present invention has beendescribed with reference to the preferred embodiments, numerousvariations and modifications of elements and components of the inventioncan be substituted therefor, while remaining within the spirit and scopeof the invention, and within the scope of the following claims.

Numerous permutations of components such as the alignment pendulum, theswing arm-pendulum connector, the swing arm, and the means forconnecting the device to the shaft or head of a golf club, as well asthe number and type of bearing surfaces are within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A device for providing feedback regarding the swing of a golf club,the golf club comprising a head having a face, a shaft and a handle, thedevice comprising: an alignment pendulum, wherein the pendulum isadapted and arranged to respond to gravitational and other accelerationsin at least one axis; and means for operatively connecting the alignmentpendulum to the golf club, wherein the means comprises a swing-armadapted and arranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of thegolf club.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm, wherein the pendulum is adapted and arranged forproviding feedback regarding the motion of the club with respect to atleast one parameter.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least oneparameter is one or more from the group of motion parameters comprising:the club head speed, the rate of change of club head speed with respectto the ball, the rate of change of club head speed with respect to theground, the angular speed of the club shaft with respect to the ground,and the angular speed of the club shaft with respect to the club head,and the angular speed of the club head with respect to the pendulum. 4.The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment pendulum is free to respondto gravitational and other accelerations in one axis, and wherein theone axis allows rotation in a first plane substantially perpendicular tothe club face.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment pendulumis free to respond to gravitational and other accelerations in at leasttwo axes, and wherein two of the at least two axes allow rotation in afirst plane substantially perpendicular to the club face and in a secondplane substantially parallel to the club face.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the alignment pendulum comprises top and bottom rails, andwherein the top and bottom rails are each adapted and arranged such thata golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respect to the club canvisually align the club with respect to the relative positions of therails, and with respect to one or more of the target ball, the targethole, the club head, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer andthe ground, wherein the means for connecting the alignment pendulum tothe swing arm comprises a connector, the connector comprising a firstjournal and a second journal, wherein said journals lie in planesperpendicular to one another such that the pendulum can rotate in twoaxes, and wherein the two axes allow rotation in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and substantially parallel to the clubface.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment pendulum comprisesa body, and at least one indicator bridge, the bridge disposed above thebody and including at least one facet comprising a plurality ofindicator markings, at least one distance indicator alignment blade, andmeans for fixedly attaching the blade to the swingarm, wherein thedevice further includes at least one support to hold the bridge withrespect to the swingarm, and wherein the device is adapted and arrangedsuch that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respect to theclub can visually align the club with respect to the relative positionsof one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the club head, theclub shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground, wherein themeans for connecting the alignment pendulum to the swing arm comprises aconnector, the connector comprising a first journal and a secondjournal, and wherein said journals lie in planes perpendicular to oneanother, and wherein the alignment pendulum comprises at least one swingpin, wherein the at least one swing pin is adapted and arranged forconnecting the pendulum rotatably to one of the first and secondjournals of the connector such that the pendulum can rotate in two axes,and wherein the two axes allow rotation in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and substantially parallel to the clubface.
 8. The device of claim 1, adapted and arranged such that themovement or lack of movement of the indicator with respect to theindicator markings indicates the relative motion of the club withrespect to one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment pendulum comprises anarcuate body, the body having an arcuate top ridge, a centerline, alower margin, an inner alignment edge, and an outer alignment edge,wherein the inner and outer alignment edges are disposed opposite to oneanother on the lower margin, and at least one of the alignment edges isprovided with spaced indentations disposed for indicating the relativeposition of the pendulum, and wherein the device is adapted and arrangedsuch that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respect to theclub can visually align the club with respect to the relative positionsof one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the club head, theclub shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.
 10. Thependulum of claim 9, wherein both inner and outer alignment edges areprovided with spaced indentations, and wherein the alignment pendulum isadapted and arranged to rotate in at least two axes, and wherein two ofthe at least two axes allow rotation in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the club face and substantially parallel to the clubface.
 11. The device of claim 9, adapted and arranged such that themovement or lack of movement of the indicator with respect to theindicator markings indicates the relative motion of the club withrespect to one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. 12.The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment pendulum comprises anarcuate body, the body having an arcuate top ridge, a centerline, acentered arcuate lower margin, an inner alignment edge, and an outeralignment edge, and wherein the inner and outer alignment edges aredisposed opposite to one another on the lower margin, and at least oneof the alignment edges is provided with spaced pins arcuately disposedfor indicating the relative position of the pendulum, and wherein thedevice is adapted and arranged such that a golfer positioned in agolfing stance with respect to the club can visually align the club withrespect to the relative positions of one or more of the target ball, thetarget hole, the club head, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, thegolfer and the ground.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein both innerand outer alignment edges of the pendulum are provided with spaced pins,and wherein the alignment pendulum is adapted and arranged to rotate inat least two axes, and wherein two of the at least two axes allowrotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the club face andsubstantially parallel to the club face.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein the alignment pendulum comprises a laser operatively connectedto the golf club, and wherein the laser provides light in at least oneplane such that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respect tothe club can visually align the club with respect to the relativepositions of one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. 15.The device of claim 14, wherein the laser provides light in at least twoplanes, wherein the alignment pendulum is adapted and arranged to rotatein two axes, and wherein the two axes allow rotation in a first planesubstantially perpendicular to the club face and in a second planesubstantially parallel to the club face.
 16. The device of claim 1,wherein the connector comprises a surface, the surface having indicatormarkings and comprising a portion of a sphere, wherein the portion ofthe sphere comprises a bearing surface, and wherein the alignmentpendulum comprises a front arm and a rear arm, the arms provided withindicator markings and disposed diametrically opposite to one anotherand substantially within a plane, wherein the front and rear arms areconnected by a ring portion, and wherein the ring portion is adapted andarranged to rotate and revolve on the bearing surface portions of thesphere in response to movement of the club to which it is mounted orattached, such that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respectto the club can visually align the club with respect to the relativepositions of one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. 17.The device of claim 16, wherein the alignment pendulum is adapted andarranged to rotate in at least two axes, and wherein two of the at leasttwo axes allow rotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to theclub face and substantially parallel to the club face.
 18. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the alignment pendulum is provided with one or morepins, and the spherical surface is provided with one or more grooves,and wherein the one or more pins are disposed for articulating withinthe one or more grooves such that the pendulum is free to rotate in thetwo axes, and wherein the device is adapted and arranged such that themovement or lack of movement of the indicator with respect to theindicator markings indicates the relative motion of the club withrespect to one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the clubhead, the club shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground. 19.The device of claim 16, wherein the alignment pendulum is provided withone or more pins, and the spherical surface is provided with one or moregrooves, and wherein the one or more pins are disposed for articulatingwithin the one or more grooves such that the pendulum is free to rotatein the two axes.
 20. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignmentpendulum comprises a front frame forming a front opening and a rearframe forming a rear opening, the front and rear frames and openingsbeing disposed diametrically opposite to one another and substantiallywithin a plane, wherein the front and rear frames are adapted andarranged such that at least a portion of a target ball in the vicinityof the club face is visible to a golfer through at least one of thefront and rear openings, and wherein the pendulum further comprises apin such that the pendulum is adapted and arranged to rotate on the pinin response to movement of the club to which it is mounted or attached,such that a golfer positioned in a golfing stance with respect to theclub can visually align the club with respect to the relative positionsof one or more of the target ball, the target hole, the club head, theclub shaft, the golfer's feet, the golfer and the ground.
 21. The deviceof claim 1, in combination with one or more of a golf club head, a golfclub shaft, and a golf club wherein the golf club is a putter or othershort-play club, such as a chipping wedge.
 22. A method for providingalignment information to a golfer or to a golf instructor regarding thepositioning of the several portions of a golf club in the hands of thegolfer, wherein the golf club comprises a head having a face, a shaftand a handle, the method comprising the steps of; A. providing analignment pendulum, wherein the pendulum is adapted and arranged to bealignable with respect to a target golf ball, and to move in response togravitational and other accelerations in at least one axis; and B.providing means for operatively connecting the alignment pendulum to thegolf club.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-armadapted and arranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of thegolf club.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the pendulum isadapted and arranged for providing feedback regarding the motion of theclub with respect to at least one parameter, and wherein the at leastone parameter is one or more from the group of parameters comprising:the club head speed, the rate of change of club head speed with respectto the ball, the rate of change of club head speed with respect to theground, the angular speed of the club shaft with respect to the ground,and the angular speed of the club shaft with respect to the club head,and the angular speed of the club head with respect to the pendulum, andwherein the alignment pendulum is free to respond to gravitational andother accelerations in one axis, and wherein the one axis allowsrotation in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the club face.26. The method of claim 22, wherein the alignment pendulum is free torespond to gravitational and other accelerations in at least two axes,and wherein two of the at least two axes allow rotation in a first planesubstantially perpendicular to the club face and in a second planesubstantially parallel to the club face.
 27. A method for providingmotion feedback information regarding the swing of a golf club to agolfer or to a golfing instructor, the golf club comprising a headhaving a face, a shaft and a handle, the method comprising the stepsof: 1) providing an alignment pendulum, wherein the pendulum is adaptedand arranged to respond to gravitational and other accelerations in atleast one axis; and 2) providing means for operatively connecting thealignment pendulum to the golf club wherein the means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-armadapted and arranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of thegolf club.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein the means for operativelyconnecting the alignment pendulum to the golf club further comprises aconnector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting the pendulum tothe swing arm.
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the pendulum isadapted and arranged for providing feedback information regarding themotion of the club with respect to at least one parameter, wherein theat least one parameter is one or more from the group of parameterscomprising: the club head speed, the rate of change of club head speedwith respect to the ball, the rate of change of club head speed withrespect to the ground, the angular speed of the club shaft with respectto the ground, and the angular speed of the club shaft with respect tothe club head, and the angular speed of the club head with respect tothe pendulum.
 30. A method for providing alignment guidance and feedbackinformation to a golfer or to a golf instructor regarding thepositioning and movement of the several portions of a golf club in thehands of the golfer, the golf club comprising a head having a face, ashaft and a handle, the method comprising the steps of I. providing analignment pendulum, wherein the pendulum is adapted and arranged toalign itself with respect to one or more portions of a golf club towhich it is attached and with respect to a target ball, and to move withrespect to gravitational and other accelerations in at least one axis;and II. providing means for operatively connecting the alignmentpendulum to the golf club, wherein the means for operatively connectingthe alignment pendulum to the golf club comprises a swing-arm adaptedand arranged for connecting the pendulum to the shaft of the golf cluband a connector adapted and arranged for rotatably connecting thependulum to the swing arm.